Why is the right amount of humidity so important for your home?

Oftentimes, we focus on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than most people think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. But, it is encouraged to make sure your house maintains a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The indoor air is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.

What takes place when your indoor air has too much or too little humidity?

Too Much Humidity

If you haven’t actually felt it, you have probably at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with heightened humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it is harder for your body to monitor internal temperatures.

Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you may be able to set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could also result in energy savings.

Too Little Humidity

While drier air might be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has negative implications inside the home. Dry air can trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity is enhanced, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.

Lack of moisture impacts the wood throughout your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.

What can you do?

Luckily, there are solutions out there to help you monitor and adjust humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you assess the air in your home so you can see what the humidity levels are inside. And if you are having difficulties getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help improve the situation.

If you see any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Air Pro Heating & Cooling LLC can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 360-464-1094. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.

With more than 100 years in the field, Lennox has continuously offered industry-leading innovation and technology while maintaining stringent durability and reliability standards. The experts at Air Pro Heating & Cooling LLC help bring those standards to Vancouver so that you can always maintain complete home comfort. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system or even if you just have a question about what we carry, give us a shout at 360-464-1094 or set up an appointment with our online scheduler, we’d love to hear from you.